Dental Sealants in Irving, TX A dental sealant is a thin, BPA-free plastic film that is applied to the chewing surface of your back teeth that are the most vulnerable to bacterial attacks. This plastic coating sticks tightly to your teeth and acts as a physical barrier between bacteria and the surface of your enamel. The process of applying dental sealant is painless and very safe. It only takes a few minutes for us to apply the sealant in layers to your teeth. Once the sealant hardens, you can resume eating anything you want. Why We Recommend Dental SealantsOur molars and premolars have pits, grooves, and fissures in which food can get stuck easily. These cracks are quite deep and so thin that even a single bristle of your toothbrush may not effectively clean them. As such, bacteria will gather in these fissures, destroy the enamel, and infect your teeth leading to cavities. This is particularly true if you are not very diligent about getting professional dental cleanings. The back teeth are also more prone to cavities since a lot of force is exerted on them due to chewing motion. Using a dental sealant can provide an extra layer of protection to these teeth. Dental sealants are often used in combination with fluoride treatment which can remineralize the enamel and strengthen your teeth. Candidates for Dental SealantsChildren and adolescents are in the habit of eating sugary foods that result in increased oral bacteria in their mouths. In addition, this group of people is also not very responsible when it comes to brushing and flossing their teeth. As such, dental sealants are a good preventive option for them. However, adults who are at high risk of cavities can also benefit from dental sealants. Dental sealants may not be applied on teeth that have restorative work done on them, like fillings, onlays, and dental crowns. It should also not be applied to teeth with cavities. To restore such teeth, we may recommend restorative options for you. In some cases, we may consider it wise to place dental sealants on baby teeth as well if they have developed deeper grooves. This is because the primary teeth have an important role to play in the development of good healthy secondary teeth and dental sealants can prevent primary teeth from being lost prematurely. How Long Do Sealants Last?Dental sealants can last for as long as 10 years with good care. Since the material is only plastic, it may crack or chip off from some places after some time. Hence, it is important for you to get your dental sealant checked every time you come for your routine dental appointment. If the sealant has been damaged, we can easily reapply it. If you are concerned about the health of your teeth and maybe worried your back teeth may be getting cavities, do not miss your routine dental exams at HomeTown Dental Irving. Based on your oral health, Dr. Williams will determine whether getting a dental sealant is the right choice for you. We may also recommend other preventive dental treatments for you including dental exams, dental cleanings, and fluoride treatments to ensure the continued health of your teeth. |